Lex Titia

Lex Titia

The lex Titia was an important Roman law passed on 27 November 43 BC. This law created the Triumvirate, a group of three powerful leaders: Octavian, Mark Antony, and Marcus Aemilius Lepidus. Their job was to lead Rome for five years, until the end of 38 BC.

Unlike an earlier group called the First Triumvirate, which was just a private agreement among friends, the Triumvirate created by the lex Titia was official. It gave these three men almost complete control over Rome, allowing them to make big decisions and keep order during a difficult time. Later, in 38 BC, the law was renewed to extend their power a little longer.

Passage

The law was named after a man called Publius Titius. He was a leader who introduced it. It was approved by a group of citizens called the comitia tributa.

The law gave three leaders strong powers to help manage Rome.

Contents

Legal powers

The lex Titia gave three leaders, called the triumvirate, strong powers. They could make rules for everyone, change important groups, and start new towns. They could also choose leaders and give out awards.

They could make decisions without anyone stopping them. This meant they could start wars and collect money. Their power was higher than other leaders, so they could decide if others could celebrate big victories.

Term

The triumvirate was supposed to last for five years, but they could keep their powers longer if they wanted to, unless they stepped down, died, or were removed. For example, one leader was removed in 36 BC by a vote. Another leader kept his powers until he gave them up in 27 BC.

Main article: Decemvirate
Main article: dictatorship of Sulla
Main article: proscriptions
Main article: lex Valeria
Main article: Capitoline Fasti

Legacy

The lex Titia did not bring back the old rules of Rome, but they never returned to how they were before. Some think this law marked the end of the Roman Republic.

After many years and battles, Octavian won and began a new way of leading Rome called the Principate.

Main article: constitution of the Roman Republic

Main article: Principate